Social Justice, Art, & History

Walking Tours

Hidden History of Albina: Portland's Black History Walking Tour. The Boise and Eliot neighborhoods in North Portland are rich in diverse history and culture, serving as the historic heart of Portland’s African American community. Over the past few decades, dramatic changes have altered the face of the region, something which can go easily unnoticed. This tour provides a great opportunity for visitors, and residents alike to reconnect with the roots of this community, from the history of the City of Albina, to the city Vanport and beyond.

Tour Stops:The only church in Portland where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, Vancouver Avenue Baptist ChurchOne of the few remaining black-owned businesses on North Mississippi, Sons of Haiti Masonic LodgeThe historic headquarters of the Urban League of PortlandDawson Park and the remnants of Albina’s City Hall buildingMeet in front of Little Big Burger 3747 North Mississippi Avenue.

Fresh Grounds: Coffee and Social ChangeLocal matters in Portland’s business culture, especially when it comes to coffee. As a city well known for its coffee roasters and cafes, Portland has been a major player in the speciality coffee scene for decades. Fresh Grounds is a walking tour that explores this addicting industry with coffee innovators who are changing the way a cup is roasted, sold, and enjoyed. Along the way you’ll learn about the importance of vital community spaces, and the work being done towards achieving labor equity. Hear stories about the intersection of sneaker culture and snob-free coffee. Experience the inner workings of nonprofit coffee; that seeks to make meaningful change in the way that coffee is experienced. All the while, sipping on some of Portland’s best coffee.

Learn more about:Deadstock CoffeeSisters of the Road CafeP:earCentral City CoffeeSisters of the Road CafeMeet at 133 Northwest 6th Avenue Portland, OR 97209

Pride Forever: Portland's LGBTQ HistoryPride Forever is Know Your City's LGBTQ History Walking Tour with comedian/activist Belinda Carroll, and historian Melissa Lang! Join us for an evening exploring over a century of action and resilience in the LGBTQ community.

Highlights of the Tour:19th Century Cross-Dressing1912 YMCA and 1913 Greek ScandalsVaseline Alley and the Pink TriangleMeasure 9 and the fight against anti-gay legislationAIDS Epidemic (and how you can help!)Darcelle, the longest performing drag queen* Guinness Book of World RecordsMeet in front of Star Theater Portland 13 Northwest 6th Avenue

People's History of PortlandA People's History of Portland" is a walking tour that highlights the lesser known stories of Portland’s immigrants, social activists, and working-class heroes.

Before Portland was known for Portlandia, bikes, and brews, the foundations of the city were built by immigrant laborers. This tour tells Portland’s story from the point of view of Chinese people, Japanese people, African American people, Jewish people, and the LGBT communities that are often left out of mainstream conversations about Portland.

Led by Know Your City's professional tour guide, a People’s History of Portland in an interactive exploration into the city you’ve heard so much about.

Tour Highlights:Portland's "Old" and "New" ChinatownsThe site of Portland’s first African American community"Nihonmachi," Portland’s JapantownLGBT roots in Old TownJewish roots in PortlandMarie Equi in Portland and early Portland women’s historyMeet in front of Voodoo Doughnuts 22 SW 3rd Portland, OR 97204

PDX101: Art, Activism, and HistoryPDX 101 is a downtown walking tour that illustrates the origins of Portland and its journey to the present. While exploring downtown art, parks, buildings, and bridges, and important people, we cover the collective history of Portland: from pop culture to marginalized histories, including the thousands of Multnomah people native to the region and the lessons we have learned while transforming into a growing urban city. KYC's PDX101 tour stands out with our emphasis on native history, Portland’s unique style of urban planning and influential social movements make up our past.

Conversations and destinations on the tour include:Ankeny Alley: Skidmore Fountain and Voodoo DoughnutsDowntown Waterfront: the buried Harbor Drive, the Willamettesuperfund site and big pipe project, Mill Ends ParkThe South Park Blocks: an incubating place for Portland’s social movementsThe Portlandia Statue and TriMet’s Bus MallMeet in front of BattleshipOregon Memorial SW Natio Pkwy Portland, OR 97204